LONE WOLF 277 



astounded to see the bull, checked in dim 

 rush, plunge staggering forward upon his 

 knees. From this position he abruptly rolled 

 over upon his side, thrown by his own impetus 

 combined with a dexterous twist of his 

 opponent's body. Then Lone Wolf bounded 

 backward, and stood expectant, ready to 

 repeat the attack if necessary. But it was 

 not necessary. Slowly the great red bull arose 

 to his feet, and stared about him stupidly, 

 the blood gushing from his throat. Then he 

 swayed, and collapsed. And Lone Wolf, 

 wagging his tail like a dog, went back to 

 Timmins's side for congratulations. 



The woodman gazed ruefully at his slain 

 foe. Then he patted his defender's head, 

 recovered the chain with a secure grip, and 

 said slowly 



" I reckon, partner, ye did yer dooty as ye 

 seen it, an' mebbe I'm beholden to ye fer a 

 hul' skin, fer that there crittur was sartinly 

 amazin' ugly an' spry on his pins. But ye're 

 goin' to be a responsibility some. Ye ain't 

 no suckin' lamb to hev' aroun' the house, I'm 

 thinkin'." 



To these remarks, which he judged from 

 their tone to be approving, Lone Wolf wagged 

 assent ; and the homeward journey was 

 continued. Timmins went with his head 



